Device for the advance indication of an automatically executed shift

ABSTRACT

In a system for the control of an automatic or automated vehicle variable transmission ( 2 ) with a transmission control ( 6 ) and a display device ( 20, 22, 24 ) for the driver, the display device ( 20 ) is provided in order to indicate to the driver the imminent gear shift. After advanced indication of the gear shift, the driver can make a correction engagement in the transmission control ( 6 ) or prevent the gear shift.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an automatically executed shift in a vehiclevariable transmission.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Automatic or automated transmission of vehicles usually engage inaccordance with preset shift programs which allow different parametersof the existing state of the vehicle and driver's requests to enter intothe calculation of a suitable reduction ratio of the transmission. Thesensors that produce the different parameters cannot detect imminentdriving situations and influences upon the vehicle originating form thetraffic situation and thus also cannot be the basis of a calculation.Situations can thus occur in which the transmission does shift but thatare unsuitable and disagreeable for the driver. In those cases thetransmission can shift at a moment unforeseeable for the driver or alsoan unforeseeably higher gear change not suited to the existing trafficsituation or topography can be carried out.

EPO 0 170 465 B1 has disclosed by way of example for automatedtransmissions that calculating shift programs of the transmissionindicate to the driver the gear engaged and possible ratio steps whichthe driver could engage in the vehicle parameters existing at the timeboth for upshifts and downshifts. Which gear to choose remains left tothe driver. In this case the same as formerly, the driver himself has toexecute the shifting operation.

The problem on which the invention is based is, in an automatic orautomated transmission, to assist a change of the reduction ratio in thetransmission which is related to the driving situation.

The proplem is solved by the characteristic features of claim 1.Developments are object of sub-claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a device for shifting an automatic or automated variable transmissionof a vehicle with a transmission control and a display device for thedriver, the display device is provided in order to give the driveradvanced notice of the imminent gear shift. Thereby the driver cancorrectly control the vehicle according to the traffic situation or alsoto topography. In a preferred embodiment the display device is designedacoustically, optically or mechanically. One embodiment shows designingthe display device so that it indicates the number of gear steps whenchanging the reduction ratio. In another development is provided adevice with which the driver, after advanced notice of the gear shift,can execute in the transmission control a correction engagement. Inanother advantageous development a device is provided with which thedriver, after advanced notice of the gear shift, can prevent the gearshift.

By the driver being prepared for the gear shift as this is to beattained by the display device, the driver acquires a subjectivelybetter feeling relative to the gear shift course. He can adjust to theeventually generating interruption of the traction. An imminent trafficesituation such as a traffic light signal installation blocking thethoroughfare, the end of a bottleneck, a level crossing or pedestriancrossing is detected by the driver with his sense organs. The sameapplies to the detection of an imminent gradient after a long drive onflat road or reaching of the bottom of the valley after long uphilldrive possibly using additional braking devices of the vehicle. Theimminent situation can likewise require a shift over several gear stepsor conversely not allow it or make it seem unsuitable. The driver candecide whether an advanced notice of a shift still is or is notadequate. He will allow it, correct it, or prevent it accordingly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with referenceto the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows an automatically executed shift in a vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The single FIGURE shows an automated transmission 2 which is connectedvia a control line 4 such as a CAN bus line with a transmission control6, a clutch regulator 8 and a gear shift lever 10. Via the line 12compressed air is supplied to a tranmission regulator 14 and via theline 16 compressed air is supplied to the clutch regulator 8. Thecontrol line 4 is connected on an interface 18 with other elements ofthe vehicle not shown are like motor electronics (EDC), motor brake,ABS, ASR or retarders. A display 20 as display device is likewiseattached to the control line 4. Alternatively or additionally optical 22or acoustical 24 display devices can be provided. On the gear shiftlever 10 is provided a button 26 with which the driver can correct orprevent the advanced indicated gear shift.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for shifting an automatic transmission(2) of a vehicle comprising the steps of: controlling the shifting ofthe automatic transmission according to a shift program of atransmission control; visually displaying an imminent automatic gearshift for a driver prior to an actual automatic gearshift by theautomatic transmission; one of permitting the actual automatic gearshift and overriding the imminent automatic gear shift by the driveractuating an input device (26) to signal said transmission control (6)to correct the actual gear shift after the visual display of theimminent automatic gear shift.
 2. The method for shifting an automatictransmission (2) of a vehicle according to claim 1 further comprisingthe step of preventing a gear shift by the driver actuating the inputdevice (26) to signal said transmission control (6) to abandon theactual gear shift after the visual display of the imminent automaticgear shift.
 3. The method for shifting an automatic transmission (2) ofa vehicle according to claim 1 further comprising the step of visuallydisplaying an indication of a number of gear steps during a change ofreduction ratio.
 4. A method for shifting an automatic transmission (2)of a vehicle comprising the steps of: controlling the shifting of theautomatic transmission according to a shift program of a transmissioncontrol; indicating an imminent automatic gear shift for a driver priorto an actual gearshift by the automatic transmission; one of permittingthe actual gear shift and overriding the imminent automatic gear shiftby the driver actuating an input device (26) to signal said transmissioncontrol (6) to correct the actual gear shift after the indication of theimminent automatic gear shift.
 5. The method for shifting an automatictransmission (2) of a vehicle according to claim 4, comprising the stepsof indicating the imminent automatic gear shift for the driver by atleast one of an acoustical, optical and mechanical signal.
 6. The methodfor shifting an automatic transmission (2) of a vehicle according toclaim 4, further comprising the step of preventing a gear shift by thedriver actuating the input device (26) to signal said transmissioncontrol (6) to abandon the actual gear shift after the indication of theimminent automatic gear shift.
 7. The method for shifting an automatictransmission (2) of a vehicle according to claim 4 further comprisingthe step of indicating for the driver a number of gear steps during achange of reduction ratio.
 8. A system for shifting an automatictransmission (2) of a vehicle comprising: a transmission control havinga shift program for controlling the shifting of the automatictransmission; one of an audible, visual and mechanical indicator forindicating to a driver an imminent automatic gear shift prior to anactual gearshift by the automatic transmission; an input devicepermitting the driver to signal said transmission control (6) to correctthe imminent gear shift after the indication of the imminent automaticgear shift to the driver and before the actual gear shift is undertakenby the automatic transmission.